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Disaster Resources – Incidents of Violence, Wildfires, and Earthquake

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Ready For Rain

Click here for the home and property preparation tips, learn how to use sandbags to help divert moving water and redirect debris away, and prepare your escape plan.

Resources for Incidents of Violence

    • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

      The Disaster Distress Line provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Covers topics such as stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms related to a disaster.

      Call (800) 985-5990 (English and Spanish) or text TalkWithUs (Hablanos for Spanish) to 66746 to connect with a counselor. Available 24/7.

      SAMHSA also has a publication “Coping With Grief After Community Violence” available to download online at https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Coping-With-Grief-After-Community-Violence/SMA14-4888 

  • The Local Vet Center provides counseling services for Veterans affected, please call (805) 585-1860 and make an appointment. *This only applies if veterans going through crisis meet certain criteria and is more likely to get a referral somewhere else. 
  • Call The Veterans Crisis Line (800) 273-8255, select option 1, chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net or send a Text message to 838255 for assistance
  • Give an Hour is offering free mental health care to those who serve, veterans, and their families, that were affected by the incident. To find a provider, visit www.giveanhour.org

First 5 Care Cope Connect

A resource is now available to help the growing number of families in California tackling heightened community stress. The Care, Cope, Connect resource, created by Sesame Street in Communities in collaboration with the First 5 Association of California, helps parents cope with stress and provide safety and security for their children. Visit http://first5association.org/care-cope-connect/ for information and to download the coloring book (available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean) for children. 

Public Safety Power Shutoff

A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is an event that electricity provider proactively turn off power in high fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires. PSPS events are one of the ways better ensure the safety of the public. For information, please visit PG&E’s Public Safety Event page.

Resources for Wildfires

Safety Information for Those Returning Home After a Wildfire

Safety Information for those returning home after a wildfire is available at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/After-a-Wildfire/

California Wildfire Helping Handbook

The Fall 2018 California Wildfires Helping Handbook provides practical information for individuals, families, and small businesses on subjects including housing, government benefits, insurance, FEMA assistance, replacement of lost documents, and fraud prevention.

FEMA Assistance

If you are impacted by a wildfire that is declared a Major Disaster by FEMA, you can register for FEMA assistance by visiting: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 800-621-3362. The number for speech and hearing impaired individuals is 800-462-7585.

When you apply for the FEMA Aid, please have the following information ready:

  • Social Security number
  • Address of the damaged home or apartment
  • Description of the damage
  • Information about insurance coverage
  • Telephone number
  • Mailing address
  • Bank account & routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

Please see image below for general instructions and items needed:

FEMA assistance

Wildfire survivors who applied for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and received a letter or text message saying they are ineligible for disaster assistance, should know this first communication may not be the last word.

Very often ineligibility can be resolved quickly. In fact, the most common reasons for this determination are:

  • The application may be incomplete. More information or documentation is needed;
  • The applicant did not sign the required documents;
  • The applicant did not prove occupancy or ownership;
  • The damage is to a secondary home or a rental property – not a primary residence;
  • Someone else in the household has applied for and received assistance;
  • A letter of determination, or other information, may be needed from an insurance company, or
  • The applicant may have adequate insurance coverage. If a survivor has insurance, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments. However, under-insured applicants may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled.

Often, the problem of missing information can be fixed online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY  800-462-7585). Multi-lingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (PST). Survivors may check the status of their applications or update their contact information at these same numbers.

Applicants ineligible for FEMA grants may still be eligible for other programs, such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Applicants may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where low-interest disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. SBA disaster loans can help fund repair or replacement costs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Applicants may apply online at SBA.gov/disaster or, for more information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955.

If FEMA Turned You Down, You Have a Right to Appeal

If you got a letter, email or text from the Federal Emergency Management Agency declining your application for assistance and you disagree with FEMA’s determination, you have the right to appeal. Often, determinations of ineligibility arise from a lack of sufficient documentation. Your application might need an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property and proof that the damaged property was your
primary residence at the time of the disaster.

Supporting documents may include, but are not limited to, the following:
▪ Landlord’s statements
▪ Merchandise or provider receipts
▪ Service or repair receipts/statements. Each must include an estimate
breakdown, contact information, measurements, etc.
▪ School/employer statement (for loss of essential tools)

• Insurance: If your coverage is not enough to make essential home repairs, pay for a place to stay or replace personal items, FEMA may reconsider your
application. But you must provide documents from your insurance company that detail any settlement. Remember that FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits.
• Occupancy: If you’re a homeowner or renter, FEMA may reconsider you for grants if you provide documents that prove the damaged structure was your
primary residence. FEMA needs to see your utility bills, driver’s license or a copy of your lease or rental agreement. You cannot receive federal disaster assistance for secondary or vacation homes.
• Ownership: Documents you can submit to prove ownership may include mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed. If you feel FEMA’s decision or the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, you may submit an appeal letter and any documents needed to support your claim. All appeals must be filed in writing. You should explain why you think the decision is incorrect. When submitting your letter, please include:

▪ Applicant’s full name
▪ Date and place of birth
▪ Address of the damaged dwelling
▪ Your FEMA registration number on all pages
▪ The FEMA disaster declaration number – DR-4393-NC on all pages
▪The signature of the applicant
▪ The date

Your letter must be either notarized – if you choose this option, please include a copy of a state-issued identification card – or include the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” You must sign the letter. If someone other than you is writing the letter, there must be a signed statement from you affirming that the person may act on your behalf. You should keep a copy of the appeal for your records.

To file an appeal, letters must be postmarked, received by fax, or personally submitted at a disaster recovery center within 60 days of the date you received the FEMA determination letter.

By mail:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

By fax:
800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

If you prefer to go through the appeal process electronically, open a Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) account at www.disasterassistance.gov. Once your account is open, you can update your current contact information, upload your appeal documents, and review letters from FEMA. When you upload the required documents to your DAC account, an appeal packet is automatically created which can then be submitted for review.

If you have questions, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. Those who use TTY may call 800-462-7585. Operators are available from 7 am to 10 pm local time seven days a week.

A FEMA home inspection is a part of the process for verifying damage and loss and helps determine the assistance options available for survivors. Click here for the FEMA’s Fact Sheet on Housing Inspections with information/requirements. 

Housing Related Resources

  • California Department of Insurance (DOI) Wildfire Information
    You can contact the Department of Insurance for general information and guidance about insurance claims by calling (800) 927-HELP (4357); TDD: (800) 482-4833 or visit http://www.insurance.ca.gov.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims Section 203(h) program allows the FHA to insure mortgages made by qualified lenders to victims of a major disaster who have lost their homes and are in the process of rebuilding or buying another home. For details, visit https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/ins/203h-dft

Under Fannie Mae’s guidelines for single-family mortgages:

  • Homeowners impacted by major disasters are eligible to stop making mortgage payments for up to 12 months, during which time they:
    – will not incur late fees during this temporary payment break
    – will not have delinquencies reported to the credit bureaus
  • Servicers are authorized to suspend or reduce a homeowner’s mortgage payments immediately for up to 90 days without any contact with the homeowner if the servicer believes the homeowner has been affected by a disaster. Payment forbearance of up to 12 months is available in many circumstances.
  • Servicers must suspend foreclosure and other legal proceedings if the servicer believes the homeowner has been impacted by a disaster.

Homeowners can reach out to Fannie Mae directly by calling 800-2FANNIE (800-232-6643). For more information, please visit www.knowyouroptions.com/relief.

Documents Replacement

  • California Driver’s License (800) 777-0133
    Visit a California DMV office to complete an application. Replacement license forms must be delivered in person.
  • Green cards (800) 375-5283
    Website: uscis.gov
  • Medicare cards (800) 772-1213; TTY: (800) 325-0778
    Website: ssa.gov/medicare
  • Military records (866) 272-6272
    Website: https://www.archives.gov
  • Passport (877) 487-2778; TTY: (888) 874-7793
    Website: https://www.travel.state.gov
  • Social Security card (800) 772-1213; TTY: (800) 325-0778
    Website: https://www.ssa.gov
  • Savings Bonds (844) 284-2676
    Website: https://www.treasurydirect.gov
  • Tax returns (800) 908-9946
    Website: Tips to Help Tax Payers
  • Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, and Divorce Decrees 
    For more information on ordering replacement vital records, visit http://www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/clerk-recorder/clerk-recorder
  • Registration and Certificate of Title (Cars, Boats, and Vessels)
    Registration: Call (800) 777-0133 (TTY (800) 368-4327) during regular business hours or  visit your local DMV field office and identify yourself as a disaster victim.

    Replacement certificate of title: Must complete an Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title REG 227. Application is available at your local DMV office or online here. Attach the damaged title if mutilated, and, unless waived due to the disaster, pay the duplicate title fee of $20.00 ($15.00 for boats and other vessels).

    Submit the application either in person at your local DMV office or mail it to:

    DOCUMENT & RECORD REPLACEMENT
    60 Current as of November 20, 2018
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    Registration Operations
    P.O. Box 942869
    Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Disaster Loans

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest, long term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organization, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace uninsured/underinsured disaster damaged property. Visit the Disaster Recovery Center, call (800) 659-2955, or visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela for assistance. Applicants MUST register with FEMA first before contacting SBA for assistance. 

Types of Disaster Loans available:

  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. 
  • Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.

WHY YOU SHOULD RETURN THE SBA DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION

Not returning the loan application from the U. S. Small Business Administration may be saying no to potential federal assistance.

Some may be counting on a future insurance settlement to cover all the costs of rebuilding. Maybe they don’t want a disaster loan or fear they can’t afford one. Or maybe they don’t know how to get help with the paperwork the SBA sent them.

But there are good reasons to submit a completed SBA loan application by the deadline.

SBA offers the disaster loans to disaster-affected homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations in the counties with a federal disaster designation for Individual Assistance.

Some of the top reasons for submitting an SBA application by the deadline include:

  •  A future insurance settlement may fall short. You may find out that you were underinsured for the amount of work it takes to repair or replace a damaged home. An SBA low-interest loan can cover the uninsured costs. By submitting the loan application on time, you may have loan money available when it is needed. SBA can approve a loan for the repair or replacement of your home up to $200,000. Once your insurance settles, you may apply those funds to your disaster loan. However, the opportunity for an SBA disaster loan may be lost if you wait until after the application deadline.
  • SBA can work with a homeowner to shape a loan that fits your personal budget. If you already have a mortgage on the damaged property, SBA specialists can work with you to come up with a low-interest loan package you can afford. In some cases, SBA can refinance all or part of an existing mortgage when the applicant may not qualify for a loan from commercial lenders, has suffered substantial uninsured or underinsured damage and intends to repair the property.
  • SBA can help renters replace their essential items. Renters, as well as homeowners, may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
  • By submitting your SBA loan application, you keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. If SBA does not approve a loan – or approves a small loan that doesn’t cover all of your needs – you may be referred to other programs that can provide grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, or cover storage expenses, among other serious disaster-related needs. But if you do not submit the loan application you received from SBA, the assistance process may stop.

For more information, homeowners and renters may call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY) or visit https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/

Homeowners and renters may visit SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply online for disaster loans.

Remember to register with FEMA first; call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 for the deaf or hard of hearing. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

For more information, view or print the SBA Disaster Loan Fact Sheet.

Private Nonprofit Organizations

Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in California following President Trump’s federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of wildfires that occurred Nov. 8-25, 2018, announced Administrator Linda McMahon of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.

These low-interest federal disaster loans are available in Butte, Los Angeles, and Del Norte counties.

“Private nonprofit organizations should contact California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Recovery Section by calling (916) 845-8200 or emailing [email protected] to obtain information about applicant briefings,” said Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. “At the briefings, private nonprofit representatives will need to provide information about their organization,” continued Garfield.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will use that information to determine if the private nonprofit provides an “essential governmental service” and is a “critical facility” as defined by law. If so, FEMA may provide the private nonprofit with a Public Assistance grant for their eligible costs. If not, FEMA may refer the private nonprofit to SBA for disaster loan assistance.

SBA may lend private nonprofits up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For certain private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help with meeting working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the nonprofit suffered any property damage.

The interest rate is 2.75 percent with terms up to 30 years.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Road
Fort Worth, TX 76155

Tax Assistance

FRANCHISE TAX BOARD (FTB) DISASTER RELIEF RESOURCES

The California Franchise Tax Board has information to help disaster survivors understand the tax relief to which they may be entitled. 

Disaster Loss: How to Claim a State Tax Deduction

Understanding Tax Relief for Disasters

More Disaster Relief materials are available at the Prepare Del Norte website.

Available resources include:

  • Copy of the IRS PowerPoint presentation
  • FTB Publication 1034: provides information on disaster loss and how to claim a state tax deduction
  • FTB 1240: directory of Franchise Tax Board contact information
  • IRS publication 547: provides information that covers the Woolsey, Hill, Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris flows.
  • IRS publication 976: provides information only for Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris Flows.

Benefits Assistance

CALWORKS RECIPIENTS

If your family currently receives assistance from CalWORKs and you were impacted by the fires, you may be eligible for additional assistance, including a one-time, non-recurring special needs assistance payment of up to $600.

To qualify for this special payment, you must have an emergency need due to sudden and unusual circumstances beyond your control and $100 or less in liquid resources. If you qualify for a special needs assistance payment, the money can be used to repair or replace clothing or household items, provide assistance for damage to your home, including moving or storage payments due to such damage, or pay for interim shelter if your home is destroyed or made uninhabitable or inaccessible. 

You should contact your caseworker for additional information. If you are homeless, you may apply for temporary and permanent housing assistance. Applicant families who have received homeless assistance in the last 12 months and who have been impacted by the fires may be entitled to an exception to the once every 12 months limit. You may be eligible for an immediate needs payment of up to $200 if you have $100 or less in liquid resources (for example, cash).

Please note that CalWORKs regulations exclude counting of federal disaster and emergency assistance for eligibility determination purposes; so, FEMA relief, American Red Cross relief, and D-CalFresh will not impact your eligibility for CalWORKs. 

If you do not wish to receive CalWORKs on an ongoing basis, consider applying for CalWORKs diversion payments, which are short-term, non-recurring benefits designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or item of need and may be appropriate for some displaced families. For additional information regarding CalWORKS benefits, contact the human services agency: (888) 472-4463 or visit http://www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/health-human-services/public-assistance-employment-training-branch/cash-assistance—calworkshttps://www.ventura.org/human-services-agency/calworks/

Health & Mental Health Related Resources

The Disaster Distress Line provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Covers topics such as stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms related to a disaster.

Call 800-985-5990 (English and Spanish) or text TalkWithUs (Hablanos for Spanish) to 66746 to connect with a counselor. Available 24/7.

Uninsured survivors of Wildfires may be eligible for free prescription refills, vaccines, and medical supplies.

·       Funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), has been launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

·       A contractor administers this program on behalf of HHS and will immediately begin taking claims for prescription drugs, vaccines, specific medical supplies and limited durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and oxygen concentrators.

·       The program pays for a 30-day supply of prescription medications for people without health insurance who are affected by disasters. Most pharmacies in Del Norte county participate in EPAP. You must provide proof of a new or existing prescription.

·       If you need replacement durable medical equipment, medical supplies, or vaccinations that do not usually require a prescription, ask your healthcare provider to contact the pharmacy. All prescriptions processed through EPAP are free of charge.

·       To find a participating pharmacy online, visit  https://go.usa.gov/xPUGC and call the pharmacy listed for your ZIP code to confirm it is open.

·       If you have questions about EPAP, call 855-793-7470 or visit https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/epap/Pages/

Legal Assistance

A legal hotline is now available for survivors of the wildfires in California in Butte, Del Norte, and Los Angeles counties. Disaster survivors facing legal issues in Del Norte or Los Angeles counties who are unable to afford a lawyer may call the hotline at 877-301-4448. Hours are 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday-Friday.

The type of legal assistance available includes:

  • Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors
  • Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims
  • Help with home repair contracts and contractors
  • Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
  • Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies, and procedures
  • Counseling on mortgage and foreclosure problems
  • Counseling on landlord-tenant problems

The State Bar of California is warning the public to watch out for and report potential fraud in response to the recent fires across the state. As a result of California’s ongoing fires, many people may wish to seek legal advice for various reasons, including insurance disputes, seeking Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance, employment issues, landlord tenant disputes, consumer fraud, and more.

Some important things to know when seeking legal aid after a disaster is that California law prohibits lawyers or others acting on behalf of a lawyer from:

  • Soliciting clients at an accident scene, at a hospital, or on the way to a hospital
  • Soliciting clients who, due to their physical, emotional or mental state, may not be able to have reasonable judgment about the hiring of an attorney
  • Seeking clients by mail unless the letter and envelope are clearly labeled as an advertisement
  • Promising a particular outcome from the legal representation

In the wake of the fires, there is also the risk of victims being approached in person, by mail, email or other means, by people posing as attorneys. Consumers must carefully check that people offering legal services are legitimate and licensed to provide such services.

Before hiring an attorney, Californians should check the State Bar website for the status of an attorney’s license to practice law and whether they have any record of discipline.

State Bar’s additional resources for consumers:

Donations & Volunteer Opportunities

Disaster Relief Resources

  • California Department of Insurance (DOI) Wildfire Information
    You can contact the Department of Insurance for general information and guidance about insurance claims by calling (800) 927-HELP (4357); TDD: (800) 482-4833 or visit http://www.insurance.ca.gov.
FRANCHISE TAX BOARD (FTB) DISASTER RELIEF RESOURCES

The California Franchise Tax Board has information to help disaster survivors understand the tax relief to which they may be entitled. 

Disaster Loss: How to Claim a State Tax Deduction

Understanding Tax Relief for Disasters

Emotional Recovery

The Disaster Distress Line provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Covers topics such as stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms related to a disaster.

Call 1-800-985-5990 (English and Spanish) or text TalkWithUs (Hablanos for Spanish) to 66746 to connect with a counselor. Available 24/7.

Resources for Earthquakes

Please visit https://www.preparedelnorte.com/earthquake for information on how to protect yourself and your families before, during, and after an earthquake.